Fabulously Fit, The Mysterious The Color Fall 2017 10 Fabulously Pregnant 18 Quince 32 Wheel 42

HalalA Publication of the Islamic Food Consumer and Nutrition Council of America Magazine 28 Your Food Is Better Traveled Than You

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 1 J&M® halal certified meals use only wholesome ingredients and have NO MSG, NO SOY, and NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS. Each meal is fully cooked and is conveniently packaged in either 10 oz. (283 g) microwaveable serving dishes or 8 oz. (227 g) travel and camping pouches. Reheat to eat in minutes.

LAMB & LENTIL STEW: Tender lamb joins a medley of tomatoes, BEEF STEW: A satisfying and delicious stew! It has chunks of lentils, onions, chickpeas, zucchini and red and green sweet lean beef, with potatoes, sweet peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, peppers. Aromatic herbs and spices invite all to taste and enjoy zucchini, chickpeas and carrots in a flavorful sauce. this truly delicious meal. OLD WORLD STEW: Chunks of lean beef, with brown rice, LAMB & BARLEY STEW: Tender lamb, combined with barley, tomatoes, zucchini and pinto beans. The sauce is seasoned with eggplant, red and green sweet peppers, zucchini and onions, the aromatic flavors of the Middle East. create a true culinary delight! A scrumptious meal with a variety of textures, it is deliciously seasoned with herbs and spices of PASTA WITH GARDEN VEGETABLES: This delicious and the Middle East. robust meal has rotini pasta with peppers, mushrooms, MY KIND OF CHICKEN®: A favorite combination of chunks of zucchini and tomatoes. It is perfectly flavored with light and dark chicken meat with brown rice, peas and carrots in traditional Italian seasonings. a mild sauce. VEGETARIAN STEW: A meal fit for vegetarian and hearty eater CHICKEN MEDITERRANEAN: A hearty chicken meal with the alike! With macaroni, vegetables, potatoes, barley, lentils, flavors of the Mediterranean region. It has chunks of light and peanuts and seasonings, this meal has great taste and a variety dark chicken meat, tomatoes, potatoes, chickpeas, and black of textures. olives in a tangy sauce. CHEESE TORTELLINI: Cheese-filled tortellini are simply delicious CHICKEN & NOODLES: A winning combination with chunks of in a well-seasoned tomato sauce, with the added protein and light and dark chicken meat, homestyle Kluski noodles, peas and texture of pinto beans. carrots in a lightly seasoned sauce. FLORENTINE LASAGNA: A meal influenced by the tastes of CHICKEN & BLACK BEANS: A scrumptious meal with chunks Florence. Savor the combination of small lasagna noodles in a of light and dark chicken meat, black & kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce with Ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, spinach and potatoes, sweet peppers and corn. Simple spicing brings out pinto bean pieces which add texture and protein. its full flavor!

DHABIHA HALAL

Halal certification is by the Islamic Food & Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) © 2012 J&M FOOD PRODUCTS COMPANY, P.O. BOX 334, DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015 USA Tel: 847-948-1290 • Fax: 847-948-0468 • e-mail: [email protected] • www.halalcertified.com In the name of God, the Most Beneficent, Most Merciful

Contents

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J&M® halal certified meals use only wholesome ingredients and have NO MSG, NO SOY, and NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS. Each meal is fully cooked and is conveniently packaged in either 10 oz. (283 g) microwaveable serving dishes or 8 oz. (227 g) travel and camping pouches. Reheat to eat in minutes.

LAMB & LENTIL STEW: Tender lamb joins a medley of tomatoes, BEEF STEW: A satisfying and delicious stew! It has chunks of 04 Editor’s Note lentils, onions, chickpeas, zucchini and red and green sweet lean beef, with potatoes, sweet peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, peppers. Aromatic herbs and spices invite all to taste and enjoy zucchini, chickpeas and carrots in a flavorful sauce. 05 From the Publisher’s Desk this truly delicious meal. OLD WORLD STEW: Chunks of lean beef, with brown rice, LAMB & BARLEY STEW: Tender lamb, combined with barley, tomatoes, zucchini and pinto beans. The sauce is seasoned with FOOD TRENDS RECIPES eggplant, red and green sweet peppers, zucchini and onions, the aromatic flavors of the Middle East. create a true culinary delight! A scrumptious meal with a variety 06 Keeping the Taste, Not the Waste 24 Baked Quince of textures, it is deliciously seasoned with herbs and spices of PASTA WITH GARDEN VEGETABLES: This delicious and 25 Creamy Cauliflower Soup the Middle East. robust meal has rotini pasta with peppers, mushrooms, HEALTH & NUTRITION 26 Macedonian Eggplant Salad MY KIND OF CHICKEN®: A favorite combination of chunks of zucchini and tomatoes. It is perfectly flavored with light and dark chicken meat with brown rice, peas and carrots in traditional Italian seasonings. 10 Fabulously Fit, Fabulously Pregnant 27 A Quick Quesadilla a mild sauce. VEGETARIAN STEW: A meal fit for vegetarian and hearty eater 14 Smile! CHICKEN MEDITERRANEAN: A hearty chicken meal with the alike! With macaroni, vegetables, potatoes, barley, lentils, FEATURES flavors of the Mediterranean region. It has chunks of light and peanuts and seasonings, this meal has great taste and a variety 28 Your Food is Better Traveled Than You dark chicken meat, tomatoes, potatoes, chickpeas, and black of textures. QURANIC & PROPHETIC FOODS olives in a tangy sauce. 18 The Mysterious Quince 32 The Color Wheel CHEESE TORTELLINI: Cheese-filled tortellini are simply delicious CHICKEN & NOODLES: A winning combination with chunks of in a well-seasoned tomato sauce, with the added protein and light and dark chicken meat, homestyle Kluski noodles, peas and texture of pinto beans. A CLOSER LOOK AT LABELS 36 Halal-Certified Product Locator carrots in a lightly seasoned sauce. FLORENTINE LASAGNA: A meal influenced by the tastes of 22 What’s Nice About Niacin? CHICKEN & BLACK BEANS: A scrumptious meal with chunks Florence. Savor the combination of small lasagna noodles in a of light and dark chicken meat, black & kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce with Ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, spinach and potatoes, sweet peppers and corn. Simple spicing brings out pinto bean pieces which add texture and protein. its full flavor!

DHABIHA HALAL

Halal certification is by the Islamic Food & Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA)

© 2012 J&M FOOD PRODUCTS COMPANY, P.O. BOX 334, DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015 USA Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 3 Tel: 847-948-1290 • Fax: 847-948-0468 • e-mail: [email protected] • www.halalcertified.com Halal Editor’s Note Consumer

IFANCA Board Of Directors President | Muhammad Munir Chaudry Vice President | Mahmood A. Baig Vice President | Mohamed Sadek Director | Rashid A. Chaudary Director | Mian N. Riaz Director | Sofia Shakir Salaam Readers, Director | Altmash Amin Director | Imam Mahmoud Harmoush Director | Imam M. Radwan Mardini Marked by the equinox, the season of football fantasy, bulky scarves, IFANCA Religious ADVISORY Halloween, and Thanksgiving is here. As temperatures drop and sunlight COUNCIL Resident Scholar |Sheikh Rachid Belbachir dims, chlorophyll gives way to other pigments to create a glorious Dr. Firdaus bin Yahya Imam M. Radwan Mardini spectacle of russet hues, a treat for forest sightseers. I’m wondering if Imam Mahmoud Harmoush Professor Inam Haq there is any truth in the weather proverb, “If the leaves take longer to fall, Secretary | Imran Ikram it will be a cold winter.” Halal Consumer Editorial Staff Publisher | Muhammad Munir Chaudry Editor in Chief | Roger Othman Harvest was the word used until the 1300s to describe the next few months of this Content Manager | Haniya Rais Tirmizi season of reaping. Not surprising that it’s still used in other languages e.g. Dutch herfst, Head Office German Herbst and Scots hairst. As people gradually moved from working the land to 777 Busse Hwy. living in towns, the word harvest lost its relevance and autumn, as well as fall, began to Park Ridge, IL 60068-2470 USA +1.847.993.0034 replace it. The word autumn has connotations of the passing of the year. By the 16th +1.847.993.0038 | fax century, it was in common use along with the poetic word fall, a contraction of ‘fall of [email protected] [email protected] the leaf’ and ‘fall of the year’. The settlers took it with them to North America. While the term fall gradually became obsolete in Britain, it became the more common term in REGIONAL OFFICES North America. Call it what you may, but remember that it’s not caused by the earth’s IFANCA – CALIFORNIA Murrieta, California distance from the sun, but its tilt!

IFANCA – CANADA Mississauga, Ontario Enjoy fall with our recipes of warm desserts such as baked quince, the heart-warming cauliflower soup, with the Macedonian eggplant salad to complement. Back to the grind? IFANCA – ASIA PACIFIC Singapore A quick quesadilla might be the solution to a hunger situation at home.

IFANCA – CHINA Our feature this time will make you realize that your food may be better traveled than Shanghai, China Beijing, China you are and make you ponder over cultivating a kitchen garden and visiting the local Tianjin, China farmers market. Our article on food coloring is a reminder of why, while adding color to Wuhan, China our lives, it is important to look past the exterior and understand what truly goes into IFANCA – PAKISTAN our food. Read this issue to know what Niacin’s job in the human body is and where to Faisalabad, Pakistan get it. You’ll also find out how much better or worse fast-casual restaurants are from IFANCA – INDIA fast food joints and fine dining. Read on to review some of the fancy, new butters that Kochi, Kerala are trending today. Know more about a fabulously fit pregnancy and also how to IFANCA – Korea preserve your smile with daily care and cosmetic dentistry. Find out what that strange Seoul, South Korea looking thing called quince is and what to do with it.

As always, your feedback would be very welcome, whether via email, Facebook Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved. or Twitter. ISSN: 1532–351X

Happy Reading! ABOUT HALAL CONSUMER Halal Consumer is a publication of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA). IFANCA is a non-profit Islamic organization with the mission Sincerely, to promote halal food and the institution of halal. IFANCA objectives include making halal foods conveniently available, Haniya Rais Tirmizi content manager introducing halal to food companies and institutions, creating awareness of halal among consumers, and providing halal solutions to consumer needs. Designed bY Annan Shehadi www.annanshehadi.com4 WWW.IFANCA.ORG From the Publisher’s Desk

Assalamu Alaikum,

Thanksgiving is a big part of the autumn season. It is a time when most of us get together with our extended family and friends, partake of various activities, watch a football game, and of course, enjoy a turkey with all the trimmings. Before dinner, we bow our heads in silent prayer or have someone lead us in a vocal prayer, giving thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us. While Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful, we should not forget to be thankful every day of the year.

Everyone has something to be thankful for and most of taught us: “Whoever is not grateful to the people, he is us have many reasons to be thankful: health, a loving not grateful to Allah.” So whenever we have reason to family, a good home, safe transportation, a steady job, a thank anyone for a favor they bestowed upon us, we happy retirement, the ability to offer our daily prayers, should hasten to do so. the opportunity to earn greater reward and increase our place in Paradise; the list goes on and on. For these and And as we observe this annual feast, let us remember other blessings we thank our Lord, the Creator asking another teaching of the Prophet [PBUH] reported by nothing in return though He has promised that: an-Nisa’i and narrated by al-Miqdam bin Ma’dikarib, may Allah be pleased with him, who stated: “I heard the “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you Messenger of Allah say: “A human being fills no worse are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’” being to eat a few mouths-full to keep his spine straight. (Quran 14:7) But if he must (fill it), then one-third of food, one-third of drink, and one-third for air.” So let’s try not to leave Being grateful is not only expressed by words of praise the table overfilled and let’s remember those around the and glory to the Lord, it is also expressed by following world, including the hurricane ravaged regions here at His commands which includes avoiding sin, respecting home and send them a portion of what we had planned our fellow men, helping those in need, and in all other to spend on ourselves. manner of good deeds.

We also recall the Hadith reported by at-Tirmithi and Sincerely, narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, in which our Prophet, peace be upon him [PBUH], Muhammad Munir Chaudry president

Disclaimer: The advertisements in Halal Consumer magazine do not necessarily imply endorsement or halal certification by IFANCA. Please check www.ifanca.org to verify halal certification by IFANCA. None of the health-related information contained here should be used in lieu of medical advice nor should it be used without consulting a physician first. Halal Consumer magazine, its writers and editors, its parent organization IFANCA, IFANCA’s board of directors, and its employees and consultants are not liable for any actions taken by individuals or groups based on the information, including recipes, presented here.

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 5 FOOD TRENDS

Keeping the Taste, Not the Waste By Asma Jarad

6 WWW.IFANCA.ORG One of my earliest memories of food is butter, which are solid at room temperature and derived from animal sources, increase LDL blood cholesterol of having a scrumptious peanut butter levels leading to increased risk of heart disease. Coconut and jelly sandwich. I can also never oil is however a healthier, plant-derived saturated fat. Finally, the most harmful is trans fat, which is mostly forget that delectable, butter glazed synthetic. It is made by industrially converting liquid fats cinnamon donut I enjoyed for breakfast into solids by hydrogenation. Shortening is an example of a trans fat. Hydrogenated oils used by fast food in grade school. I wasn’t the only one. restaurants for frying also fall in this category. These My peers and I crowded the cafeteria increase one’s risk of developing heart disease, strokes, tables to hurriedly gobble up our and type 2 diabetes. peanut butter and jelly graham wafer sandwiches so we could enjoy a few extra minutes of outdoor recess. At that time, there were no designated, “nut free classrooms,” let alone a “nut free table,” in the cafeteria. Seldom did we hear of allergies. As kids, we also had no worries about the fat or calorie content of our food. Good days!

Fast forward thirty years, we’re living in an era of alarming obesity across the age spectrum. With physical activity on the decline, it is indeed critical to proactively seek healthy choices. Yes, everything with “real” butter tastes better! It takes on the star role in a dish—be it your favorite cupcake recipe, or grandma’s famous scrambled eggs. There are many alternatives that can fill in the role providing the same richness we love, without the saturated fat. Replacing saturated fats, such as butter, with unsaturated fats is easier than you think. Some chefs swap butter for First, let’s take a quick look at saturated, unsaturated, and mashed avocado in traditional baked goods, and get trans fats, to get a better understanding of why we delicious and healthy results. Another alternative is the should consider replacing butter. Unsaturated fats “liquid gold” of the kitchen: olive oil. As Muslims, however, originate from plants, seeds, vegetables, fish, and nuts we have known for centuries from the Quran, that the and aid in lowering blood cholesterol levels. According olive tree is a blessing for humankind: to an article in Harvard Medical School’s Health Publication, titled, The Truth about Fats: The “God is the light of the heavens and the Good, the Bad, and the In-Between, adding earth. The example of His light is like a unsaturated fat to your daily diet is niche within which is a lamp, the essential. The keyword here being, lamp is within glass, the glass as if it “unsaturated.” Fat is a source of energy. It were a pearly [white] star lit from helps you absorb some vitamins and [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, minerals. Furthermore, it is essential for neither of the east nor of the west, blood clotting, muscle movement, and whose oil would almost glow even inflammation. Unsaturated fats, such as if untouched by fire. Light upon olive oil, stay liquid at room temperature light. God guides to His light whom and are considered the healthiest option. He wills…” (Quran 24:35) On the other hand, saturated fats such as

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 7 A healthy substitute for butter is IFANCA halal certified cup of pumpkin puree. In the end, you will have saved Cabot or Zone Perfect Greek yogurt, which adds protein yourself from the typical 800 calories and 90 grams of and moistness to baked goods without adding unwanted fat found in half a cup of butter, versus only 40 calories calories and the fat found in butter. According to lifestyle and less than one gram of fat found in a half cup of author, Andrea DeShazo, “Greek yogurt will add richness pumpkin puree. and a tangy flavor reminiscent of buttermilk to your baked goods, along with the heart-healthy benefits that When it comes to the calories and fat per serving, peanut come from reducing fat.” If your recipe calls for butter, butter is on the same boat as butter. Nut-free substitutes simply add the same amount of Greek yogurt instead. for peanut butter are just as easy to find, and provide a Keep in mind that yogurt increases the moisture content fulfilling taste, vitamins, and minerals without the excess of your recipe, so increase the flour slightly. fat and calories. Substitutes include, sunflower seed butter, tahini paste, and coconut Pumpkin puree is an appropriate butter. Mother and author, Christine replacement for butter in your Gallary, tested these substitutes recipes. As Marcia Frost from and found that the closest Livestrong.com says, “Pumpkin spread in terms of flavor and puree can provide moisture in texture, is sunflower seed your recipe the way butter butter. “Sunflower seed would. You can try it in many butter has a nice nutty recipes, but pumpkin is flavor and is smooth and especially helpful when spreadable,” says Gallary. baking cookies, cakes, and “I honestly don’t feel like muffins since it has just a I’m missing out on bit of sweetness that works peanut butter.” Indeed, well in baked goods.” In this sunflowers are no longer case, if your recipe calls for simply a road trip snack, one cup of butter, replace they can be transformed that with three fourths of a

8 WWW.IFANCA.ORG into a delicious spread that is packed with nutritional Last but not least, there is good old coconut butter. It benefits, including protein, vitaminE , magnesium, copper, may sound more like a dessert ingredient, but is actually a and healthy fat. paste made from raw, unsweetened, shredded coconut. If it is broken down in a blender for approximately 15-20 minutes, with a dash of salt, the end result is a consistency similar to creamy peanut butter. Spread it on your favorite When it comes to the calories and fat bread to make a sweet and nutty sandwich. Just as versatile as peanut butter, it can be used for a fresh fruit per serving, peanut butter is on the dip, a spread for pancakes, or to enhance a meat rub. It’s same boat as butter. rich in taste and also in lauric acid which strengthens immunity and helps in weight management by boosting metabolism and thus increasing energy levels. It has all the goodness of coconut: healthy fats, essential amino Tahini can do the job too. For those unfamiliar with tahini, acids, calcium, and magnesium. These changes do not it is a condensed paste made from crushed sesame seeds. necessarily mean that we have to sacrifice taste for health. Tahini paste is a mixture of sesame seeds, lemon juice, These alternatives are indeed both delicious and pack a garlic, and water—depending on your preferred nutritional punch, minus the calories and undesired fats. consistency. The most common use for tahini paste is obviously hummus (a chickpea dip), but tahini is just as effective in any dish or sauce to give it a creamy and ASMA JARAD is a writer and editor. She holds a Master of nutty flavor. Author, Alisa Rutherford-Fortunati also Arts degree in English Language and Literature from comments that, “Tahini makes delicious dressings, National University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in creamy soups, scrumptious sweets, and excellent Liberal Studies from the University of Illinois. entrees.” It is protein-rich and is also a unique source of sesamin and sesamolin-lignans that are proven to lower cholesterol and protect the liver from oxidative stress.

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 9 HEALTH & NUTRITION

Fabulously Fit, Fabulously Pregnant

By Afshan Malik

Is there anything more miraculous widely believed in Africa that eating eggs during pregnancy causes sterility. than a pregnancy? What a wonder it is to see how a woman’s body develops There’s also a universal abundance of Pregnancy-specific recipes, passed down from generation to generation. to nurture its growing baby, nestled in Many contain nutrient-rich mixtures of clarified butter, the comfort of her womb. Religious nuts, seeds, honey, and oats. The media, be it in sitcoms, movies, or commercials stereotype a pregnant woman as scriptures highlight the respect and someone who is always having incredibly unhealthy honor mothers deserve from their cravings and giving into them! Consuming mixed media children, often citing references to the signals on just how to attain a healthy diet is also cause for concern. Don’t women have a green light on what nine months that the baby is entirely they want to eat once they’re pregnant? If you have ever dependent upon God’s decree in their seen a family comedy or an episode of Friends, you’d think so! So, let’s clear up some myths about pregnancy! mother’s body.

Societal norms guiding an expectant mother vary from culture to culture. Because optimizing nutrition is critical Pregnancy Myth at this time, cultural myths regarding food in pregnancy, Exercising during pregnancy can lead abound. An extreme case is of Nigerian women, as to a miscarriage. highlighted in a study by the Imo State University, who avoid bush meat, for fear that they will have deformed babies that look like animals. They also think that eating snails can make the baby sluggish. Japanese women are Pregnancy Truth told that spicy food can give the baby a short temper. In The American Pregnancy Association the United States, birthmarks are attributed to a mother’s determines that exercising alone does not lead craving for strawberries or chili peppers. In Mexico, to miscarriages. There are many reasons why according to an old belief, eating eggs can make the baby miscarriages occur, the highest percentage of smell bad. On the other hand, in the Philippines, women which are said to be caused by chromosomal abnormalities. are told to eat raw egg just before the delivery, to help As long as there are no high risk activities or high impact lubricate the birth canal. A BBC article mentions that it is sports involved that may cause damage to a woman’s

10 WWW.IFANCA.ORG As long as there are no high risk activities or high impact sports involved that may cause damage to a woman’s body while she’s expecting, anything goes.

body while she’s expecting, anything goes. Dancing, jogging, swimming, and even canoeing! Thirty minutes a day of exercise 4-5 times a week is ideal.

Studies have shown that exercising increases a person’s energy level and uplifts their mood. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women should continue their pre-pregnancy fitness regimen, as long as their Ob-Gyn has no objections. Unless contraindicated, exercise is even a great preventative tool to reduce backaches, which many pregnant women complain of getting as their baby becomes heavier and the weight load causes an imbalance on the muscles in the surrounding areas.

A healthy woman’s body is a capable powerhouse. Just look at DeAnne Hemmens, an American Olympian, who competed in the 1996 Olympics when she was two months pregnant. Canoeing while pregnant is one thing, competitive canoeing for the United States Olympic team is quite another! More recently, R&B singer Ciara hired a personal trainer to help her remain physically active before she delivered her baby. Her Instagram followers got to follow her pregnancy journey and fitness journey at the same time! At the other end of the spectrum is United Kingdom royal, Kate Middleton who suffers from severe hyperemesis gravidarum and advocates for more serious care to the small percentage of pregnant women who require medication and more medical attention during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Myth A pregnant woman eats for two!

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 11 Pregnancy Truth Pregnant women do not have to consume double the amount of calories they normally eat. Unless an Ob-Gyn specifically recommends more (healthy) calories, eating for two or doubling the calories isn’t practical. Just a solid 300 extra calories is plenty. Prenatal vitamins are highly recommended by Exercise All Raw Meats & most Ob-Gyns. Vegetables Raw Eggs Fruits An extra protein-rich sandwich or a few healthy snacks Blue and Mold- are more than enough to supplement the development of Protein Ripened Cheese an unborn child. What you eat is more important than how much you eat. Daniel Silas Adamson of BBC.com advises Calcium Excessive Caffeine pregnant women to eat at least five portions of fruits and Sleep Excessive Sugar veggies, along with protein and calcium-rich foods. He thinks it is a good idea to stay away from fish that are at Prayer High-Impact Sports the very top of the food chain, such as shark and swordfish, 300 extra calories and mold-ripened cheeses like Brie and Camembert, as well as soft blue cheeses like Gorgonzola and Roquefort. According to Adamson, the pregnancy menu should also exclude raw eggs, raw meat, raw shellfish, and all types of pate. Foods that cause acid reflux are best avoided late in exercise routine for a healthier delivery. The baby’s the pregnancy. The bad news is that chocolate is also on arrival should not be an excuse to miss the postnatal this list of reflux-causing food, along with fried foods, checkups either. sodas, caffeine, and high-fat meats. The focus is largely on a mother-to-be’s physical well- being, as compared to her emotional and spiritual health. Having restful moments of prayer, reflection, and Eating for two or doubling the meditation can help in clearing up thoughts, finding solutions to conflicts, and releasing inner stress. The value calories isn’t practical... Just a solid of the partner’s and the family’s support cannot be 300 extra calories is plenty. underestimated. Finding a personal counselor or therapist is a great way to help adjust to the new upcoming adventure of motherhood. Whatever the situation may be, resources are available almost anywhere—from sage advice to new techniques. Pregnancy Myth Pregnancy is not an illness so why go A pregnant woman deserves to be fabulously fit and for so many checkups. fabulously pregnant! Here’s to all the moms-to-be who are on the road to keeping up with their exercise, diet, and overall health goals during their pregnancies.

Pregnancy Truth AFSHAN MALIK is currently working for Rabata and is also Having access to a medical professional on a a student in a Masters of Nonprofit Management Program. regular basis is a big blessing. Pregnant women She is a certified social media & community specialist.S he must not miss their prenatal appointments to organizes a conference every year, celebrating the rise of ensure proper development of the fetus, along with Muslim women’s voices in literature. Born in Chicago, monitoring any health issues that may arise. A high raised in Atlanta, she is now a happy Houstonian. percentage of women develop gestational diabetes and one of the many things an Ob-Gyn would watch out for is a woman’s sugar levels! Those glucose tests with the flat orange soda tasting liquid aren’t exactly a trip to the amusement park, but they are a highly effective method of determining how women can adjust their diet or

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Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 13 By Husna T. Ghani

14 WWW.IFANCA.ORG f a picture is worth a thousand words, then your smile This inflammatory burden causes a breakdown in the lining I is worth a million bucks, sometimes quite literally. In of the heart’s arteries. Even if you have a normal amount of order to keep that smile, do go the extra mile! The extra cholesterol in your blood, the cracks in the lining of the mile begins with dental hygiene, techniques of which can blood vessels act like a primer for cholesterol buildup. be traced back to thousands of years. We know that early Eventually with the buildup of the cholesterol, this can lead humans did not have the sugary diets that we have today, to atherosclerosis and eventually a heart attack.” Another hence less caries. Meals were usually heavy on protein concern linked to unhealthy teeth and gums is diabetes. Dr. and light on carbohydrates. The early humans relied Ghani explained that the inflammation in the mouth can mostly on hunting as the primary source of food with cause excessive production of antibodies. “This exceeds supplementary greens. According to National the amount that is needed to fight the mouth’s Geographic’s website, people in northern Africa ate inflammation and infection. Hence, the excess antibodies purple nutsedge, a notoriously stubborn weed. Its attack other organs and glands such as the pancreas. This antibacterial properties helped in keeping cavities at bay can lead to an inadequate quality of insulin production in two thousand years ago. Farming brought along grain the pancreas and lead to diabetes.” Poor gum health can consumption and hence the introduction of complex also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. “When you carbohydrates on a regular basis. As consumption of think about how all these diseases are affected by carbohydrates increased, oral bacteria increased and inflammation, research also shows thatA lzheimer’s can be acids began to erode the teeth. affected by periodontal (gum) disease. The inflammation from the gums can cause an inflammatory reaction that So how do carbohydrates attack our teeth? Well, increases “tangles” in the brain and creates almost a glue- carbohydrates break down into glucose molecules which like material in the brain which increases the risk of getting are simple sugars. The bacteria in our mouth feed on the Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Ghani. sugars and produce acids that attack the Enough to scare you into teeth, breaking down Prophet Muhammad (Peace not missing your dentist’s the protective enamel. Be Upon Him) used miswak, a appointment every six months. Dr. Asra Ali, a Humans discovered twig with bristles containing dentist in Downer’s Grove, innovative ways of Illinois, stresses the cleaning and caring for fluoride, to care for teeth. importance of brushing their teeth. According two to three times a day, to the Smithsonian and flossing. I know what Institute, early ways of you’re thinking, “brushing dental care included three times a day?” As for using rough cloth to rub a toothbrush, Dr. Ali teeth, as well as using chalk and salt. The original recommends using a soft bristled, angled brush in a toothbrush was designed centuries ago using a twig and circular motion. She explained that “the hard bristles over splitting the end to create bristles of sort. This was also a time can wear away and remove the tooth’s enamel.” She tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon emphasized making sure that toothpastes and Him). It was commonly used by people in the Middle East, mouthwashes contain fluoride and antibacterial China, the Indian subcontinent and many parts of Africa. properties. Some medications may have a dry mouth side It is referred to as miswak and contains fluoride. As effect. In order to help alleviate this, Dr. Ali recommends natural and organic products have become the rage, using toothpaste with a higher concentration of fluoride. miswak may make a strong comeback (although it is still IFANCA halal-certified toothpastes by Toms of Maine, used by some). Even some research and health NSE Products, and Sunrider International are high in their organizations such as the World Health Organization and fluoride content. the National Center for Biotechnology Information have endorsed the use of miswak. Without sounding racist, how does one get a bright, white smile? Teeth are made up of an inner dentin layer and a Dental health can be a predicting factor for other diseases. hard outer enamel layer. Basically, teeth whitening Dr. Ehtesham Ghani, an internal medicine physician in treatments use bleaching chemicals to get down into the Brookfield, Illinois, has discussed the connection between tooth enamel and set off a chemical reaction that breaks poor dental health and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, apart the staining compounds. Dr. Ali points out three and Alzheimer’s disease. He explained that, “Cardiovascular methods. “Professional whitening treatments are done in disease is a symptom of inflammation and poor dental the dentist’s office. These are usually one hour treatments health is linked to high inflammatory burden on the body. that are activated by light and are the most effective.

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 15 Let’s not even get started on how candy, coffee, cigarettes, and all things that make Monday mornings more bearable are bad for your teeth.

Another method is the at-home professional whitening kit from the dentist’s office. This can take a few days and the third option is the over-the-counter whitening strips.” ...poor dental health is linked to high inflammatory burden on the body. If you were a child of the 80’s and 90’s, chances are that braces were part of your life. Who didn’t dread the days you had to get your braces tightened? I would eat mashed potatoes on those days. Let’s not forget the teeth or a bridge on top. An implant cannot come loose colorful tiny rubber bands that added to the metal mouth like a denture can and is more conducive to oral health look. Today there are more discreet teeth straighteners because it is not anchored to other teeth, like bridges. If that are clear and can be removed while eating or at you are considering implants, you must have healthy social events. gums and a strong jawbone to support them. Sometimes, there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw or the Cosmetic dentistry has made great headway. There is sinuses are too close to the jaw, hence making the now the Endosteal dental implant, which is a titanium procedure complicated or inadvisable. The other type of post (nail-like thing) that is surgically nailed into the implant is called Subperiosteal, where a metal frame is jawbone that allows your dentist to mount replacement fitted onto the jawbone and gets attached to it. Titanium

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Full Page Internal What about things that we eat that harm the teeth? Let’s 5 1 8 /8” x 11 /8” $2,200 not even get started on how candy, coffee, cigarettes, and all things that make Monday mornings more bearable Half Page Horizontal are bad for your teeth. Instead, let’s focus on moderation 3 3 7 /8” x 4 /8” $1,500 (we really don’t need an entire chocolate bar…daily). We should make sure we brush at minimum twice a day and floss at night and visit the dentist every six months. Oh, Half Page Vertical and most importantly with that, don’t forget to smile…it’s 1 7 3 /2” x 8 /8” $1,500 a sunnah!

Quarter Page 1 3 HUSNA T. GHANI has an MSEd and an MBA. She has 3 /2” x 4 /8” $970 taught health and science for years. When she’s not working, she reads, writes, sketches, and tries to save the world (or something like that). To place an ad or for more information contact IFANCA at [email protected] Fall 2017 or call | HALAL 312.957.9300 CONSUMER 17 QURANIC & PROPHETIC FOODS

The Mysterious Quince By Nadia Malik

18 WWW.IFANCA.ORG Quince fruit are a mystery, just waiting to be unlocked. They don’t exactly make it easy to reap their benefits. There are hints that the fruit holds a secret; when ripe, they have the inviting perfume of vanilla, pineapple, and citrus. They look like a mix between apples and pears, but don’t expect them to resemble their siblings in flavor, at least when eaten raw. They’re surrounded by a fuzzy exterior and, when bitten into, quince are unappealingly sour. The only way to truly get to their flavor is to cook them down.

This process can take a few hours, especially as the texture is tough and spongy, making it hard to cut through. Cooks will often warn to keep fingers safe when trying to battle through a quince’s interiors. Use a level surface and cut off the bottom if it wobbles around too much.

The produce isn’t an easy find, either.I t’s commonly used in Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean, but in North America you’ll likely have to search specialty food stores or a local farmers market in the fall. Because it’s an autumn specialty, it also comes in handy for pairing with traditional Thanksgiving holiday spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom, in baking, such as in a crisp or as an added twist to apple pie, or in savory dishes, paired with butternut squash or other holiday flavors.

Despite the difficulties cutting it, finding it, and preparing it, the hard-won treasure is worth the effort. “(The cooking) brings out some of the natural sweetness,” says Kerri-Ann Jennings, a registered dietitian and nutritionist. “They can be fun to cook with.” The flesh becomes much more tender, and it changes from light yellow to a rosy pink.

Quince appear to be indigenous to the Eurasian area, including Uzbekistan, Armenia, Turkey, Hungary, and Macedonia. Organicfacts.net states that, “Historically, it may have played a much larger role than most people expect. Some researchers actually think that when apples were referenced in ancient history, they were more likely The Mysterious Quince talking about quince, which were much more common in those areas.” They are suspected to be one of the fruits in the Garden of Eden, and they also appear in Greek mythology, especially in the story of the Trojan War. In

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 19 ancient Athens, according to the laws of Solon, it was given to a bride as a symbol of fruitfulness.

The Eastern specialty also shows up in Islamic history. There are some hadith that report the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him [PBUH]) eating the fruit. Talhah narrated, “I entered upon the Prophet {PBUH]) and in his hand was some quince. He said, ‘Take it, O Talhah, for it soothes the heart.’” —Sunan Ibn Majah, Volume 4, Hadith 3369.

Although the hadith, and others similar to it, has a weak line of narration, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, a renowned Muslim theologian, included a section on the product in his book Al-Tibb al-Nawawi, which focuses on Prophetic medicine. He also endorses the fruit for its benefits to the stomach and the heart. His recommendation was to cook it down with honey. type of fiber that’s linked to cholesterol-lowering benefits,” she adds. That’s how Farooq explains al-Jawziyya’s Nutritionist Farheen Farooq tries to tie in Prophetic foods assertion that the produce benefits the stomach, the in her recommendations if her clientele is Muslim. Even heart, and opens up blood passages. It also has a high though the hadith about quince cannot be attributed to vitamin C content. the Prophet (PBUH), the writing of al-Jawziyya gave Farooq a reason to give it a second look, and she doesn’t Jennings said there has been historical use in powdered doubt that it has many benefits. form as a tea to aid digestion. It also has high pectin content, which is why it’s traditionally used in jams and “Of course it has a lot of fiber because its skin is eaten,” jellies. Pectin is a starch that occurs naturally in some she explains. “Any time where you have a fruit where you produce, and when it’s cooked at a high temperature can eat the skin or the seeds, it’s automatically a good with sugar and acid, it forms into a gel. Pectin gives fruit source of soluble fiber.” That fiber, of course, helps with its rigidity, and it makes sense that quince would have a digestion. “It adds bulk to your stool and is helpful for high content, since it has a tough texture. keeping people regular,” Jennings explains. “It’s also the Because it has to be boiled down anyway, Spaniards use it in a dish called “membrillo,” a combination with sugar and lemon that becomes a dense paste, normally paired with Manchego cheese. The safarjal, as it’s called in Arabic, is also a staple with meats in several countries, such as with Moroccan tagines. As it’s become more popular and available in the West, chefs have included it in cuisine like compote for pancakes and in soups. Well then, this issue’s quince recipe might well be worth a try.

NADIA MALIK holds a degree in journalism and is a former reporter for a Chicago-area newspaper. She has written for websites and publications and has also worked for several non-profit organizations. She is a current graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania.

Quince is great for baking. See recipe on page 24.

20 WWW.IFANCA.ORG

A CLOSER LOOK AT LABELS

What’s Nice About Niacin? By Kelly Crosby

22 WWW.IFANCA.ORG e are all too familiar with vitamin commercials Fortunately, eating a healthy diet is the easiest way to get Wthat encourage us to take our daily one-a-day your daily intake of niacin. According to the organization, tablet, filled with the combined essential minerals for Dieticians of Canada, “Niacin is water-soluble. This means health and growth. The most popular belong to a group that niacin is not stored in the body. You need to eat foods known as the vitamin B complex. There are eight within this set, out of which, vitamin B3, is known as niacin.

So why is niacin so important in maintaining our overall “Niacin is water-soluble. This means health and well-being? Primarily, B vitamins are the key players in cell metabolism. According to the University of that niacin is not stored in the body. Maryland Health Center, “All B vitamins help the body You need to eat foods rich in niacin convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body uses to produce energy. These B vitamins, often every day.” referred to as B-complex vitamins, also help the body use fats and protein. B-complex vitamins are needed for a healthy liver, healthy skin, hair, and eyes, and to help the nervous system function properly.” rich in niacin every day.” Many delicious, Also, “Niacin helps the body produce heart-healthy foods are already various sex and stress-related included in the typical American hormones in the adrenal glands and diet. Meats and seafood are the other parts of the body. Niacin helps richest sources followed by fortified, improve circulation, and it has been enriched grains. For vegetarians shown to suppress inflammation.” and vegans, there are many soy- based alternatives such as tempeh It is prescribed for patients to lower and tofu. You can also eat pumpkin elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and seeds, sunflower seeds, lentils, triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood almonds, and eggs. The U.S. and has been used for this since the Recommended Daily Allowance for 1950s. However, those already on a adults is between 16 and 18 mg daily, statin or a drug used to lower with a maximum intake of 35 mg cholesterol levels in the blood don’t daily. Excess niacin gets mostly seem to benefit from its intake. It does excreted from the body. Luckily, IFANCA appear to be effective in those who are not taking halal-certified vitamin B supplements from statins. Niacin can interact with other cholesterol- Nutralite and Solgar are available in the market along lowering medicines so doctor’s supervision is important. with general, multi-vitamin supplements by Pharmavite LLC, Herbalife, Melaleuca, Noor Vitamins, Salaam A study conducted by the Rush Institute for Healthy Nutritionals, Boscogen, and Greens Best Nutrition. (Look Aging in Chicago, from 1993 to 2002, concluded dietary for the Crescent-M logo.) niacin may also protect against Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and age related cognitive decline. The study While it is almost impossible to overdose on niacin by showed that participants, aged 65 and older, with a high eating too many niacin-rich foods, it can happen by daily intake of 22.4 mg in their diet, had a slower annual ingesting excessive supplements. Symptoms may include rate of cognitive decline. severe skin flushing combined with dizziness, rapid heartbeat, itching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, So, what does it not work on? While niacin and other B diarrhea, and gout. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. of the vitamins are crucial to producing brain chemicals that Mayo Clinic advises the following, “Because niacin has affect mood and other brain functions, there hasn’t been also been linked to liver damage and strokes, most an established link between depression and niacin as a doctors now recommend it for treating high triglyceride treatment. Dr. Daniel Hall-Flavin of the Mayo Clinic says, levels in people who can’t take statins. If you’re thinking “Keep in mind, the role of B vitamins in depression isn’t of niacin, it may not be a bad idea but do talk to your clear. But no supplement can replace proven depression doctor. Also, don’t follow Google blindly, always double treatments such as antidepressants and psychological check with a licensed GP! counseling.” As for treatment for acne, some choose to use niacin amide for treating a skin condition called inflammatory acne vulgaris. However, this is considered KELLY IZDIHAR CROSBY is an artist and freelance writer an alternative medicine treatment. Using niacin to treat in Atlanta, Georgia. asthma is also considered the same.

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 23 RECIPES

Baked Quince By: Kira Fomenko

Servings: 4–5

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

4-5 quinces unpeeled, washed, halved, and cored 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 4-5 whole cloves per each quince 2. Press cloves into each quince half. Place the fruit in a roasting pan cut-side down. 2-3 cinnamon sticks Add the water, cinnamon sticks and sugar to the baking tray, sprinkle some sugar 1½ cups water over the quince halves. ½ cup brown sugar (or more if you want it 3. Bake for 45-50 minutes until fruit starts changing color to red and the syrup in the sweeter) baking tray thickens. 4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle some syrup over it from the baking tray. Enjoy!

.

24 WWW.IFANCA.ORG Creamy Cauliflower Soup By: Allison Brustin

Servings: 8–10

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

2 tablespoons avocado butter 1. In a heavy soup kettle, add avocado butter and olive oil. Add onion, scallions, 1 tablespoon olive oil garlic, celery, cauliflower, and all the seasonings (except nutmeg). 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped 2. Mix well and cook uncovered over medium heat for several minutes, stirring 1 clove garlic, minced often. Add water and miso and bring to boil. 6-8 scallions, chopped 3. Let simmer, keep covered, over medium heat for 15 minutes or until cauliflower 2 stalks celery, chopped is tender. 2 medium cauliflowers, cored and coarsely chopped 4. Remove cover, let it cool, and then puree it. Immersion blender is very helpful ½ teaspoon sea salt here. When ready to serve, heat as desired and sprinkle on nutmeg. ½ teaspoon dried thyme 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon dried marjoram or savory 6 cups water 2 tablespoons white miso ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 25 Macedonian Eggplant Salad By: Habibe Rexhepi

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

1 ½ pounds eggplants 1. Poke each eggplant in three spots and place all of them in a baking pan. Put them in 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped) the oven at 380°F and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until they become very soft. ½ cup parsley (finely chopped) 2. Take them out of the oven and let them cool. Peel the skin off and tear into long, thin ⅓ cup olive oil vertical strips. ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 3. Put one layer of the strips in the dish. Add some salt, sprinkle chopped garlic and ½ teaspoon salt chopped parsley. Repeat this steps until you have at least three layers, one on top of the other. 4. Pour olive oil all over the salad and do the same with the vinegar. Using a fork, wiggle/ move the contents on all sides, so that the oil and vinegar seeps through. 5. Let it sit for three hours at room temperature before serving. It’s that easy and good in the fridge for almost 10 days.

26 WWW.IFANCA.ORG A Quick Quesadilla By: Bisma T. Ahmed

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

9 ounces shredded, cooked chicken breast 1. Combine chicken, green chillies, cilantro, and cheese in a medium bowl and mix well. 3 tablespoons minced pickled green chillies 2. Spread one sixth of mixture evenly over half of one tortilla, leaving a ½ -inch border. 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves Fold tortilla over and seal edges by pressing down firmly, sealing with cheese if necessary. 12 ounces shredded IFANCA halal certified cheese Repeat with the remaining filling on the rest of the tortillas. by Cabot Creamery or Whitehall Specialties 3. Heat oil in a heavy lidded frying pan, over medium heat. Carefully add two folded 6 whole flour tortillas tortillas until golden brown and a little crispy on both sides. Transfer quesadillas to a 6 tablespoons vegetable oil paper towel to blot. 1 teaspoon salt 4. Cut into triangles and serve immediately with IFANCA halal certified sour cream from Organic Valley. Yogurt can be used as a sour cream substitute. There is a wide range of IFANCA halal certified yogurts to choose from by companies like Nestle Pakistan, Cabot, and Baskin Robbins. 5. For extra flavor add salsa. You can make your own salsa by combining 2 finely diced medium sized tomatoes, ⅓ cup finely chopped cilantro, ¼ cup finely chopped white onion, 1 small green chilly finely chopped, salt to taste, and lemon juice.

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 27 FEATURES

28 WWW.IFANCA.ORG Your Food is Better Traveled than You

By Naazish YarKhan

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 29 lose 15 to 55 percent of vitamin C, for instance, within a week. Some spinach can lose 90 percent within the first 24 hours after harvest.” So just how nutritious are those peaches, plums, and nectarines from South America?

But that’s not half as surprising as what you’re about to learn. Produce like apples ripen from August to f you heard that your food is better traveled than you September in the United States so if you see them year- I are, would you be surprised? Fact is, it is. The slogan round that’s thanks to chemicals and cold storage in a ‘Farm to Fork’ leaves out the detail that oceans may have warehouse for nine to twelve months. Yes, you read that been crossed in between. Yes, it is very likely that the right! According to Delish.com, “one investigation produce that constitutes your food has crossed borders showed that, on average, apples are fourteen months old.” between states, if not countries and continents. Not only does it have consequences for our health, but Seasonal fruits? What’s that? also the environment. Natural Resources Defense Council’s (a New York based advocacy group) November Consumers, today, expect to have all kinds of fruit and 2007 publication reports, “In 2005, the import of fruits, veggies available, year round. That demand shapes how nuts, and vegetables into California by airplane released grocery stores shop for their produce. Small, local farmers, more than 70,000 tons of CO2, which is equivalent to by themselves, aren’t going to grow that kind of volume, more than 12,000 cars on the road”. to meet that kind of demand and definitely not year round, especially in cold regions. As a result, middle men To have produce last that long a couple of things are at called distributors, scout for multiple sources of produce, play. Farmers have to ensure that produce travels all those further and further away; store the fruit in temperature miles without turning to mush. One solution is picking the controlled local warehouses; and truck an order over produce well before it’s ripe. To lengthen their shelf life, when a local grocery store has a request. In your grocery produce such as bananas, avocados, mangoes, and stores today, the peaches, plums, and nectarines may be from South America, the kiwis may have flown in from Italy, and the grapes crossed over from Chile. And that’s just the beginning. ...to lengthen their shelf life, produce... are picked when they are still green You’ve got to be kidding! and distributors ‘gas’ them with Unfortunately, all it takes is three days after harvest for ethylene in warehouses in time for most produce to begin losing as much as 30 percent of its nutrients. Chicago Tribune’s Monica Eng reports that, stocking on grocery shelves. “University of California studies show that vegetables can

30 WWW.IFANCA.ORG tomatoes are picked when they are still green and Towards this end, the CUESA manages farmers markets distributors ‘gas’ them with ethylene in warehouses in time in San Francisco and Oakland. It also offers research and for stocking on grocery shelves. “What happens next is teacher’s resources on garden based learning so schools similar to placing green mangoes in a closed rice bin to can learn what makes for more nutritious and tastier ripen, like we did back in India,” says Smitha Patel, a San eating and get kids to recognize what their food chain Francisco-based nutritionist and foodie. “The uncooked actually comprises. Teaching them while they are still rice traps the ethylene, a natural plant hormone, released young about their food, and doing it hands-on through by the mangoes and that quickens the ripening process. programs such as Foodwise Kids and Schoolyard to The idiom ‘one bad apple spoils the barrel’ is based on the Market, is one approach CUESA takes to instill awareness scientific fact that a rotting apple emits excessive ethylene, and appreciation for what goes into their bellies. which accelerates the ripening of other apples stored with it. There are no known food safety concerns associated with this process, as commercial ethylene mimics its natural version in its molecular structure. [We] are so picky about how our produce looks that grocery stores There is another way of making it look appetizing and keeping it from spoiling. It sometimes makes it look have to discard as much as 10 percent prettier than it does on a tree. Produce is sprayed with of their food annually, contributing to food-grade wax that contains fungicides that nip mold growth in the bud and “controls fruit respiration to delay the 133 billion pounds–one third of all ripening” and “protects from bruising while the fruit food produced–of food thrown away travels,” according to The Atlantic. Before the idea of fruit in the United States each year... wax makes you gag, the tradition of waxing fruit to preserve its condition goes back even as far as the 12th and 13th century in Southern China! Teach them young Given the consumer’s demand for year-round available, cosmetically perfect, bruise-free produce, what are Many kids today don’t know that pasta and pizza are grocery stores to do? You and I, apparently, are so picky both made from wheat that’s grown on a farm or that about how our produce looks that grocery stores have to apples are fall fruits. One school district that teaches discard as much as 10 percent of their food annually, through gardening is Glen Ellyn, Illinois, school district 41. contributing to the 133 billion pounds–one third of all One of the school district’s most successful Problem- food produced–of food thrown away in the United States Based Learning Initiative was when Ms. Heidi Hann’s each year, according to the USDA. seventh graders turned to vegetable gardening to solve a problem—hunger. The kids created a vegetable patch to Buy local grow organic produce for their local food pantry and, in 2016, their first year had 400 pounds of produce! The ‘Buy Local’ enthusiasts decry the global carbon footprint students researched how to keep the rabbits away and left by all those trucks, ships, and other means of eliminated tarp so plastic didn’t go into the environment. refrigerated foods transportation, and rightly so. But isn’t They used twine products to hold up teepees for vine- fresh produce a better alternative to processed foods? type plants so they could be reused or break down There is a middle ground, according to the CUESA, (Center naturally. Not only did they learn what went into growing for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture), an food, which wasn’t just something that came out of a box, organization “dedicated to cultivating a sustainable food but also that giving back to the community was important. system through the operation of farmers markets and Given the miles it takes for our food to get to us, and its educational programs.” impact on nutrition and the environment, it may not be a bad idea for adults to do the same. “Rebuilding a local food system doesn’t mean you never eat anything that has flown overseas, it just means that you start with what is fresh, local, and seasonal,” is the NAAZISH YARKHAN (www.writersstudio.us) is a writer, CUESA approach. There’s no harm in having mangoes editor and a college essay coach and has contributed to flown in from India, if the ice-cream it’s served with in NPR, PRI and more. Chicago is made with milk from local dairy farmers across the border in Wisconsin.

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 31

FEATURES

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32 WWW.IFANCA.ORG Red 40, annatto, and anthocyanin. However, food color does more than signify the taste of a food, it also helps us differentiate between what is safe to While these ingredients may sound eat, and what is not. Without food color, a food may be foreign and intimidating, chances are covered in dark speckles, multicolored spots, or be you have eaten all three of them. Red uneven in color which would often be mistaken as signs of spoilage. However, add some food color, and the food 40 gives Red Velvet cake its distinctive no longer has an appearance associated with mold and color, annatto is often used to add an spoiled food. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) explains that food colors also work to offset changes orange tinge to sherbet ice cream, and “due to exposure to light, air, temperature extremes, anthocyanin gives blue corn chips their moisture, and storage conditions”. Processed foods are especially reliant on food colors, as the many steps they exciting color. These three ingredients go through before reaching the store would otherwise are just a few of the many food colors leave them with unappetizing colors.

we eat on a daily basis. The world of food dyes is vast, with ingredients found

l everywhere from the Canary Islands to South America. However, all food colors can be sorted into two categories, e Food colors often get a bad rep for being artificial and natural and synthetic. The FDA states that natural colors dangerous. However, it is important to understand their e are derived from natural sources, such as fruits and purpose, the difference between natural and artificial vegetables. Used by the ancient Egyptians and Mayans, colors, and plans for the future before coloring food dyes food dyes are nothing new. Today, the most common h as bad guys. natural dyes include carotenoids (for red and orange colors), chlorophyll (greens), anthocyanin (blues), and Imagine searching through a bag of lollipops. You are turmeric (oranges). The seeds of the achiote tree, rich in n looking for the pink lollipop, since cherry is your favorite carotenoids, are used to derive Annatto, a red-orange a flavor. You finally find it, buried at the bottom of the bag. W food color in sherbet ice creams. A natural colorant that h Excitedly, you peel off the wrapper and pop it in your has made the front page is Natural Red 4, also labeled as K mouth. To your surprise, you are not greeted by the carmine, carminic acid, or cochineal. This color, derived n sweet cherry flavor you expected, but by the sour tang of r from the cochineal insect and used in red coloring, made e green apple. This would definitely throw you for a loop, o headlines after customer reaction prompted Starbucks to e and is exactly why food coloring is used. As described by k remove it from all strawberry flavored products. l the American Chemistry Association article Eating With s Additionally, because cochineal can cause a severe o a Your Eyes: The Chemistry of Food Coloring, people prefer allergic reaction in those sensitive to it, it must be T when the color of their food matches its flavor. Cherries explicitly listed as an ingredient, if present. For other y are pink, so cherry lollipops should also be pink. This is C B natural colors, the FDA considers a simple “colorings” or also why relish is colored green, and mustard yellow. The “color added” on the label as adequate. In addition to ability to match color and flavor is a key use of food dyes. e being derived from sources consumer may feel uncomfortable with, such as insects and animals, natural h dyes have a few other drawbacks. Compared to their synthetic counterparts, natural colors are far more T expensive to harvest and process. Their shelf life may also be shorter than synthetic colors. For these reasons, many companies choose to use synthetic food colors.

Synthetic dyes are any colorants that are man-made. The FDA has certified nine color additives for use in the United States. This surprisingly short list is composed of FD&C Blue Nos. 1 and 2, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red Nos. 3 and 40, FD&C Yellow Nos. 5 and 6, Orange B, and Citrus Red No. 2.

There are two main reasons artificial food colors raise concern. One is the presence of a low level of carcinogens. Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 contain benzene, a human

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 33 and animal carcinogen permitted in low, safe levels. The FDA believes the levels found in food dye are safe, however, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and other organization believe that the levels of benzene absorbed by the body through food color are higher than the FDA believes. The CSPI has also released reports that in addition to likely being carcinogenic, the artificial dyes allowed by the FDA likely cause hypersensitivity reactions and behavioral problems, or are inadequately tested. This link to behavioral problems is another cause for concern related to artificial colors.

The FDA states that natural colors are derived from natural sources, such as fruits and vegetables...Synthetic dyes are any colorants that are man-made. The FDA has certified nine color additives for use in the United States.

Certification of food colors varies globally, with Red Dye No. 2 being a prime example. The LiveScience piece The Truth About Red Dye No. 2 reports that in 1971 public outcry against Red No. 2, which had been linked to cancer by a soviet scientist, resulted in the FDA declaring the colorant illegal. Mars even temporarily paused production of red M&Ms though they did not contain any Red No. 2. However, the European Food Safety Authority did not do the same, and as recently as 2010 has declared Red No. 2 harmless. This is the exact opposite of Red No. 40, certified and commonly used in America, but due to concerns voiced by the European Food Safety Authority, rarely found in Europe. However, the general trend, as described by the WBUR News article Why M&M’s Are Made With Natural Coloring In The EU And Not The U.S. is for American products to be more likely to contain artificial colors than European products. This is largely due to difference in how artificial colors must be labeled. As described by the study Diet and Nutrition: The Artificial Food Dye Blues, “In Europe, as of July 2010 most foods that contain artificial dyes must carry labels warning they may cause hyperactivity in children.”

Though the FDA has stated that all the colorants certified are safe, the National Geographic article Scientists Make Red Food Dye From Potatoes, Not Bugs explains that the demand for natural colors has risen as artificial food dyes are “linked to allergies and behavioral problems such as hyperactivity in children.” Both producers and scientists

34 WWW.IFANCA.ORG The IFANCA app is now available for Android and iPhone/iPad. Just search for have begun responding to this. In 2015, General Mills released a decision to remove all artificial ingredients, the Android app in the Google Play Store including colors. A year later, Mars declared a five year plan to phase out all artificial colors from its human food and the iPhone/iPad app in the Apple products. However, consumer demands are also resulting in changes to natural dyes. Customer dismay at the App Store using your device. thought of insect derived red food has helped fuel research into how Purple Sweet Potatoes can be used as an alternative source for red food color.

Eating is a sensory experience. What would a delicious chocolate cake be without the moist texture, amazing smell, and of course the signature dark brown color? However, when it comes to the appearance of our food, it is important to look past the exterior and understand what truly goes into it. Do we really want to add color to our lives?

TASKEEN KHAN currently attends UIUC. She has previously written for Huffington Post Teen and Islamic Horizons Magazine. Khan has also won several Silver Keys and honorable mentions in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards..

DOWNLOAD NOW > Processed foods rely on food colors, as the The app will allow you to: many steps they go through before % read the latest issue of Halal Consumer© magazine reaching the store would otherwise % access the Halal Consumer© Facebook page leave them with unappetizing colors. % read the latest issue of Halal Digest© newsletter % Contact IFANCA % search the certified product database % Follow IFANCA on Twitter % learn more about IFANCA Go ahead and download the app and send us your Fall feedback. 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 35 HALAL-CERTIFIED PRODUCT LOCATOR

Not all of the company products are halal-certified. Look for the Crescent-M logo on the product label or verify the certification using the Certified Products listing on www.ifanca.org.

Halal-Certified Product Locator

Brand Product Type Company Name Available At

Nutritional Products Supermarkets and drugstores throughout the United Abbott Abbott Nutrition Infant/Baby Food States and Canada Products

Amara Cosmetics Baqi Inc. Visit their website: www.amaracosmetics.com

Bard Valley Natural Kroger, Publix, Meijer, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Bard Valley Food Products Delights various markets throughout the United States

Cabot Cheese Cabot Creamery Supermarkets throughout the United States

Campbell Company of Campbell Food Products Supermarkets throughout Canada Canada

Select markets, restaurants, and bakeries throughout Canada Carole’s Cheesecake Carole’s Cheesecake Bakery Item Company Ltd. Visit their website for a complete list of locations: www.carolescheesecake.com

English Biscuit Ethnic (Indo/Pak) stores throughout the United English Biscuits Bakery Items Manufacturers (Pvt.) States and Canada Ltd.

Company stores, department stores, supermarkets, gift Godiva Candy / Chocolate Godiva Chocolatier shops, and drugstores throughout the United States

Golden Bonbon Candy / Chocolate Asti Holdings Ltd. Visit their website: www.goldenbonbon.com

J&M Food Products Food Products J&M Food Products Visit their website: www.halalcertified.com

Ethnic (Arab, Indo/Pak) stores and fruit & vegetable Kontos Bakery Items, Bread Kontos Foods, Inc. markets throughout the United States

Love and Quiches Visit their website for outlets: Love & Quiches Brownies and Cakes Desserts www.loveandquiches.com

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Infant/Baby Food Mead Johnson Department stores, supermarkets, and drugstores Mead Johnson Products Nutritionals throughout the United States

Personal Care Products Visit their website for distributors: Melaleuca Melaleuca, Inc. www.melaleuca.com Nutritional Supplements

My Own Meals Food Products My Own Meals Visit their website: www.myownmeals.com

Food Products

Sauces & Dressings, Condiments Ethnic (Indo/Pak) stores throughout the United National National Foods Limited States and Canada Dessert Mixes

Spices & Seasonings

Food Products

Beverages / Beverage Concentrates Nestle Nestle Pakistan Ltd. Ethnic (Indo/Pak) stores throughout the United States Dairy Products

Drink Mixes, Dessert Mixes

Nutritional Access Business Group, Visit their website for distributors: Nutrilite Supplements LLC www.nutrilite.com

Olympia Food Ethnic (Arab, Indo/Pak) stores and restaurants Olympia Gyros, Flat Bread Industries, Inc. throughout the United States and Canada

OneCoffee Coffee Canterbury Coffee Supermarkets throughout Canada

Fall 2017 | HALAL CONSUMER 37 Halal-Certified Product Locator

Brand Product Type Company Name Available At

Cropp Cooperative/ Organic Valley Dairy Products Supermarkets throughout the United States Organic Valley

Beverages / Beverage Concentrates POM Wonderful POM Wonderful, LLC Supermarkets throughout the United States Tea

Fruits Processed

Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, Publix, HEB, and Food Products various markets throughout the United States Saffron Road Snack Food American Halal Co., Inc. Visit their website to locate a store near you: Appetizers www.saffronroadfood.com

Personal Care Products

Cosmetics Visit their website for distributors: Sunrider Sunrider International www.sunrider.com Food Products

Nutritional Supplements

Personal Care Department stores, supermarkets, and drugstores Tom’s of Maine Toms of Maine, Inc. Products throughout the United States

Pistachios and Supermarkets and drugstores throughout the Wonderful Paramount Farms Almonds United States

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